Brand Review — 2025

Byrna SD
Review

The Byrna SD is a CO2-powered personal security launcher that fires chemical irritant projectiles up to 60 feet — the longest effective range of any non-lethal civilian self-defense device. Here's everything you need to know.

3 Models Compared 4 Round Types Explained Civilian Legal — Most States
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What Is the Byrna SD?

The Byrna SD (Self Defense) is a handheld CO2-powered launcher made by Byrna Technologies. It fires .68 caliber projectiles that burst on impact, delivering a chemical irritant payload — typically OC (oleoresin capsicum, the active compound in pepper spray) — in a concentrated cloud around the point of impact.

Unlike a taser, which uses electrical current to disrupt neuromuscular function, the Byrna SD relies on chemical incapacitation at distance. The key advantage: a 60-foot effective range — four times the 15-foot range of the TASER Pulse+. This makes the Byrna SD uniquely suited for open-area confrontations where you want maximum standoff distance.

It is not classified as a firearm under federal law because it fires projectiles propelled by compressed CO2, not explosive propellant. In most states, no permit is required to own or carry it. However, laws vary — always verify your state's rules before purchasing.

// Key Distinction

The Byrna SD is a launcher, not a taser. It fires chemical projectiles rather than electrical probes. The two devices operate on entirely different principles and have different strengths. See our Byrna SD vs TASER comparison for a full breakdown.

Byrna Model Lineup

// Flagship — Most Popular

Byrna SD

The standard Byrna launcher and the model most civilians choose. Full-size pistol-grip ergonomics, 5-round magazine, and the longest non-lethal civilian range available. Fires OC, kinetic, and inert training rounds interchangeably.

$299
Retail Price

Pros

  • 60-foot effective range
  • 5-round magazine — multiple shots
  • Multiple round types available
  • Pistol-grip ergonomics — intuitive
  • No permit required in most states
  • Inert training rounds available

Cons

  • CO2 cartridge expires — needs monitoring
  • Requires accurate aim to be effective
  • Chemical irritants take seconds to work
  • Not effective against heavy rain / wind
  • Bulkier than a TASER for daily carry

Range

60 ft

Rounds

5 per mag

Caliber

.68 cal

Power

12g CO2

Weight

1.4 lbs

Length

7.5 in

// Compact — Everyday Carry

Byrna EP

The compact version of the SD platform. Smaller profile and lighter weight for easier everyday carry — purse, glove box, jacket pocket. Same .68 caliber OC rounds and 60-foot effective range as the full-size SD.

$269
Retail Price

The EP trades the full-size grip for a more compact form factor without sacrificing range or round compatibility. Good choice for users who want Byrna capability in a smaller package, or who carry in situations where a full-size launcher is impractical.

Range

60 ft

Rounds

5 per mag

Caliber

.68 cal

Power

12g CO2

Form

Compact

// Law Enforcement Grade

Byrna LE

The law enforcement grade launcher with extended range and a wider range of projectile options including kinetic, OC, Max (OC + CS), and training rounds. Used by corrections facilities and security teams. Available to civilians in most states.

$399
Retail Price

The LE model is built for institutional and professional use. It has a more durable housing, wider projectile compatibility, and is preferred by security professionals who need maximum reliability. Most civilian buyers are better served by the SD or EP.

Range

60 ft

Grade

LE / Pro

Rounds

All types

Build

Heavy duty

Byrna Round Types

All Byrna launchers fire .68 caliber rounds. The round type determines what happens on impact — and which rounds are legal to use in your state. Ammo type matters as much as the launcher itself.

Round Payload Effect Best For Notes
Byrna OC Oleoresin Capsicum (pepper) Chemical irritant — eyes, skin, respiratory Primary self-defense round Most common; regulated like pepper spray in most states
Byrna Max OC + CS (tear gas) blend Combined chemical effect — stronger than OC alone Maximum deterrence CS gas may be restricted in some states
Byrna Kinetic None — solid polymer ball Blunt impact — pain compliance, no chemical Use where chemical rounds are restricted Legal where chemical rounds are not; less effective
Byrna Inert None — practice round No effect — training only Practice and dry fire training Same weight and ballistics as live rounds

// State Law Note

Byrna OC rounds are regulated similarly to pepper spray in most states, but laws vary. A few states restrict or ban chemical irritant rounds. Always verify which round types are legal in your state. The Byrna Kinetic round is typically legal anywhere a Byrna launcher itself is legal. Check your state laws.

Understanding the CO2 System

Each Byrna launcher uses a standard 12-gram CO2 cartridge to propel rounds. One CO2 cartridge provides approximately 8 full-power shots before pressure drops noticeably. For a 5-round magazine, that means enough pressure for one full magazine plus a few extra rounds.

Key CO2 considerations for self-defense carry:

  • 01 Replace CO2 regularly. CO2 cartridges can slowly lose pressure over months, especially with temperature swings. Replace the cartridge every 3 to 6 months if carrying daily, or whenever you change the round magazine.
  • 02 Cold weather reduces pressure. Below freezing, CO2 pressure drops, which can reduce velocity and effective range. In very cold climates, keep the launcher warm or test it periodically to confirm it's fully pressurized.
  • 03 Do not dry-fire on a fresh CO2 cartridge. Firing without a round can reduce pressure. Use Byrna Inert training rounds to practice with a live CO2 cartridge without expending live rounds.

Who Should Buy the Byrna SD

The Byrna SD is the right choice if:

  • + You want maximum standoff distance — 60 feet vs. 15 feet for TASER
  • + You want multiple shots before needing to reload (5 rounds vs. 1 for TASER Pulse+)
  • + You are comfortable with aiming a launcher and practicing regularly
  • + You want a complement to a TASER for layered self-defense

The Byrna SD is not the right choice if:

  • – You want guaranteed incapacitation regardless of pain tolerance — a TASER is more reliable for this
  • – You won't practice with it — the Byrna requires aim, unlike the TASER's probe spread
  • – You want a compact EDC device — the SD is bulkier than the TASER Bolt 2
Buy Byrna SD on Amazon Compare: Byrna SD vs TASER